Nokea
A hospitalized client diagnosed with seizures has a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device implanted. The nurse determines that the VNS is working properly when making which observation?
- A. It stimulated a heartbeat when bradycardia occurred during a seizure.
- B. It defibrillated a lethal rhythm that occurred during the client’s seizure.
- C. The client activates the VNS device to stop a seizure from occurring.
- D. The client activates the device at seizure onset to prevent aspiration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A VNS device does not stimulate the heart to beat as a pacemaker. A VNS device does not defibrillate the heart as an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator does. A VNS is a medical device that is implanted in the chest and stimulates the vagus nerve to control seizures unresponsive to medical treatment. Clients who experience auras before a seizure use a magnet to activate the VNS to stop the seizure. The device does not have an effect on the airway or secretions.
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Which assessment finding is most important to consider before developing the client's care plan?
- A. The client's ability to perform activities of daily living
- B. The client's preferences for and dislikes of various foods
- C. The family members' views about nursing home placement
- D. The client's feelings about giving up independent living
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ability to perform ADLs determines the level of assistance needed, guiding the care plan for a client with Parkinson's disease.
The nurse is discussing psychosocial implications of Huntington's chorea with the adult child of a client diagnosed with the disease. Which psychosocial intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Refer the child for genetic counseling as soon as possible.
- B. Teach the child to use a warming tray under the food during meals.
- C. Discuss the importance of not abandoning the parent.
- D. Allow the child to talk about the fear of getting the disease.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Huntington’s has a 50% genetic risk. Allowing the child to express fears (D) addresses psychosocial needs therapeutically. Genetic counseling (A) is appropriate but secondary, warming trays (B) are irrelevant, and abandonment discussions (C) may guilt-trip.
The client has sustained a severe closed head injury and the neurosurgeon is determining if the client is 'brain dead.' Which data support that the client is brain dead?
- A. When the client's head is turned to the right, the eyes turn to the right.
- B. The electroencephalogram (EEG) has identifiable waveforms.
- C. No eye activity is observed when the cold caloric test is performed.
- D. The client assumes decorticate posturing when painful stimuli are applied.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Brain death is confirmed by absent brainstem reflexes, including no eye movement during the cold caloric test (C). Eyes turning with head movement (A) indicates intact reflexes, EEG waveforms (B) suggest brain activity, and decorticate posturing (D) indicates some brain function.
The client diagnosed with a right-sided cerebrovascular accident is admitted to the rehabilitation unit. Which interventions should be included in the nursing care plan? Select all that apply.
- A. Position the client to prevent shoulder adduction.
- B. Turn and reposition the client every shift.
- C. Encourage the client to move the affected side.
- D. Perform quadriceps exercises three (3) times a day.
- E. Instruct the client to hold the fingers in a fist.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: For a right-sided CVA, the left side is affected. Positioning to prevent shoulder adduction (A) supports the weak left arm to prevent contractures. Encouraging movement of the affected side (C) promotes neuroplasticity and recovery. Quadriceps exercises (D) strengthen the affected leg. Turning every shift (B) is too infrequent; every 2 hours is standard to prevent pressure ulcers. Instructing to hold fingers in a fist (E) risks contractures and is not therapeutic.
The nurse is administering mannitol IV to decrease the client’s ICP following a craniotomy. Which laboratory test result should the nurse monitor during the client’s treatment with mannitol?
- A. Serum osmolarity
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Serum cholesterol
- D. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mannitol (Osmitrol), an osmotic diuretic, increases the serum osmolarity and pulls fluid from the tissues, thus decreasing cerebral edema postoperatively. Serum osmolarity levels should be assessed as a parameter to determine proper dosage. The WBC count is not affected by mannitol. Serum cholesterol is not affected by mannitol. ESR is not affected by mannitol.